Very Hard

ZIP Code 58494

Burleigh County, North Dakota — Wing

281.5PPM (mg/L)
16.5Grains/Gallon
187Monitoring stations
060120180250
281ppm
16.5 grains per gallon
Very Hard Water

What This Means

Burleigh County, North Dakota has very hard water, estimated at 281.5 mg/L (PPM). Very hard water causes significant mineral scale buildup that can reduce water heater efficiency, clog pipes, and damage appliances. You'll likely notice white deposits on everything. A water softener is strongly recommended.

What You Should Do

1
A water softener is strongly advised. At 281.5 ppm, expect significant scale buildup, dry skin and hair, stiff laundry, and reduced appliance lifespan.
2
Professional installation recommended. Very hard water requires a properly sized system. A water treatment professional can assess your flow rate and recommend the right capacity.
3
Budget $1,500–3,000+ for a high-capacity system. At this hardness level, the investment pays for itself through reduced energy costs, less soap usage, and extended appliance life within 2–3 years.

Hardness Details

ZIP Code58494
CountyBurleigh
CityWing
StateNorth Dakota (ND)
Hardness (PPM)281.5 mg/L — Very Hard
Hardness (GPG)16.5 grains/gallon
Classification> 180 mg/L

Source: USGS Water Quality Portal, county-level median

Your Water Utility

Utility NameWING CITY OF
System IDND0801036
Water SourceGround water

ⓘ Your utility may treat water before delivery, which can change hardness levels. Check your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for exact hardness values.

USGS Monitoring Data

Monitoring Stations187
Range12 – 4250 mg/L
Most Recent Data2024
Data QualityMeasured

Source: USGS Water Quality Portal

Effects at 281.5 PPM Hardness

Skin & HairSeverePipesSevereLaundrySevereTasteSevere

At 281.5 ppm, effects are significant: heavy white scale buildup on pipes and fixtures, very dry skin and hair, stiff and scratchy laundry, and reduced water heater efficiency by 25–40%. Expect frequent cleaning of mineral deposits and noticeably higher energy bills from scale-insulated heating elements.

Is Wing Water Safe to Drink?

Yes. Hard water at 281.5 ppm in Wing is safe to drink. The calcium and magnesium that make water hard are actually essential minerals your body needs daily. The World Health Organization confirms there are no health-based guidelines for water hardness.

You may notice a slightly mineral or chalky taste at this hardness level. A drinking water filter (pitcher-style carbon filter or under-sink reverse osmosis system) can improve taste if desired, though the water remains perfectly safe to drink unfiltered.

Your Water vs National Average

SoftModerateHardVery HardUS Avg: 100 ppmYou: 281 ppm0 ppm280+ ppm

Wing water at 281.5 ppm is 182% harder than the US average of approximately 100 ppm. This means your area has harder water than most of the country, and a water softener would provide more benefit here than in an average American home.

Best Solution for 281.5 PPM Water

A high-capacity water softener is strongly recommended ($1,500–3,000+). At 281.5 ppm, you are dealing with very hard water that causes significant damage to plumbing and appliances. The system pays for itself in reduced energy costs and extended appliance life within 2–3 years. Choose a unit rated for your household size and flow rate, and consider professional installation to ensure optimal performance.

Burleigh County Water Hardness Map

Soft   Moderate   Hard   Very Hard

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the water hardness for ZIP code 58494?

ZIP code 58494 is in Burleigh County, North Dakota, with estimated water hardness of 281.5 mg/L (16.5 GPG), classified as very hard. The area is served by WING CITY OF.

Do I need a water softener in 58494?

With very hard water at 281.5 PPM, a water softener is recommended to protect your plumbing and appliances from mineral scale buildup.

What county is ZIP code 58494 in?

ZIP code 58494 is in Burleigh County, North Dakota (ND).

Is Wing water hard or soft?

Wing water is classified as very hard with an estimated hardness of 281.5 ppm (16.5 GPG). This is very hard water — significant scale buildup and mineral effects are expected.

Is hard water in 58494 safe to drink?

Yes, hard water in ZIP code 58494 at 281.5 ppm is safe to drink. The calcium and magnesium minerals are actually beneficial for your health. You may notice a slightly mineral taste. A simple carbon or reverse osmosis filter can improve taste if desired, but the water is perfectly safe unfiltered.

Will 281.5 PPM water damage my appliances?

At 281.5 ppm (very hard), expect significant scale damage. Water heater efficiency can drop 25-40%, and appliance lifespan may be cut in half. A water softener is strongly recommended.

Do I need a water softener in Burleigh County?

Strongly recommended — Burleigh County has very hard water at 281.5 ppm. Without a softener, expect significant scale buildup, higher energy bills, and premature appliance failure.

Is Wing water OK for aquariums and plants?

Hard water at 281.5 ppm is too high for most tropical fish. Use an RO filter for aquariums. For houseplants, hard water will cause mineral buildup in soil — flush pots regularly or use filtered water.